Biooxidation of Copper Sulfide Minerals

Abstract

The effects of temperature and the presence of NaCl on bioleaching of chalcopyrite, enargite, and tennantite were studied. Rate of copper extraction from all minerals depended on temperature and was the highest at 45-50°C. NaCl addition increased rate of copper extraction from chalcopyrite but led to the decrease in copper extraction from enargite and tennantite.